Radio upgrade

[Anglan]

Hi all, first post here!

I've recently bought an E86 coupe (56 plate UK) and it already has an aftermarket radio in it, but it's absolutely horrible to look at.

I've bought the Pioneer SPH-10BT to go in the car instead, I think it looks nicer and doubles as a phone holder to use as a Satnav. Just wondering how difficult a job it will be to install, if any specific parts/tools are required aside from the new head unit itself?

I've seen mention of crimps being required with wiring harnesses but not sure where to get all the bits and pieces if I do need them.

Any help would be great, cheers!

 

[MartinP]

Hi,
I’ve just recently fitted this radio. Send me a PM and we can chat.
Cheers,
Martin

 

[Donkman]

I to am installing the same Pioneer radio in my 2005 BMW Z4.
I purchased my equipment from https://www.crutchfield.com/
They will be a big help with their staff.
Lots of research needed.

 

[NeilP]

Congrats on the new purchase!

Removal of the existing radio - you may be able to use the keys that have come with your Pioneer unit to remove the old radio.

Once removed (and fingers crossed) you should already have all the adapters you need to get your pioneer unit working. Provided of course that the previous installer opted to use adapters rather than cutting the oem wiring. Generally speaking, you shouldn't need to crimp at all.

 

[enzed4]

Hi,
I’ve just recently fitted this radio. Send me a PM and we can chat.
Cheers,
Martin

I don't think he will be able to PM you with his current post count :?

 

[Anonymous]

Guys please be aware that if you have a system with an oem DSP/amp eg 676 already fitted it’s not going to be that simple ....

Also AFAIK in that case the speaker wiring won’t nicely line up...

One of your fellow E85s ended up in a real mess cause of this..check this forum..

 

[MartinP]

There are kits that have programmable boxes so you can retain the use of your wheel buttons. I wished I'd done this when I installed it.

 

[A1wil]

I have fitted this stereo, have a few issues because the front speakers don't work, does anybody have a pinout for the harness

 

[Donkman]

This is what I have.

 

[Anonymous]

I have fitted this stereo, have a few issues because the front speakers don't work, does anybody have a pinout for the harness

Look on newTis for the the relevant Z4 and go to audio section there you’ll find a wealth of wiring details..you need to decode your vin to see what versions of radio/speakers/DSP/amp you have...I’m not an expert on E85s , others may by...

It’s easy, these days, to get it wrong as they don’t play by the traditional rules, eg sub woofers wired across the same channel as midrange speakers, in the case of E89 two woofers wired in series of fine channel..

You need to do a bit of research..

 

[A1wil]

Hi guys , thanks for your replies Donkman, the wiring code you attached is that for just the head unit. I'm assuming mine did have a amp at one stage as there is a harness in the boot.
Pbondar I tied to look on newtis but there are no wiring diagrams for the stereo :|

 

[Anonymous]

Hi guys , thanks for your replies Donkman, the wiring code you attached is that for just the head unit. I'm assuming mine did have a amp at one stage as there is a harness in the boot.
Pbondar I tied to look on newtis but there are no wiring diagrams for the stereo :|

What’s your vin number

 

[Donkman]

Hi guys , thanks for your replies Donkman, the wiring code you attached is that for just the head unit. I'm assuming mine did have a amp at one stage as there is a harness in the boot.
Pbondar I tied to look on newtis but there are no wiring diagrams for the stereo :|

Sounds like you would be better off having a professional installing it for you, There are many things that need to be correct and lots of research to be done if you have never installed one before. Good luck!